As Hawaiʻi continues to experience longer droughts, higher temperatures, and more frequent wildfires, communities across the islands are asking an important question: How do we become more resilient? At Kaʻala Farm, the answer begins with the land.

For 50 years, Kaʻala Farm has demonstrated that caring for the ʻāina is not only about preserving culture—it is also about protecting our communities from natural disasters. The Hawaiian principle of mālama ʻāina teaches that when we care for the land, the land cares for us. Today, that relationship has taken on renewed urgency as wildfire threatens the Waiʻanae Coast.

Kaʻala Farm has recently been blessed by the continued partnership of the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. Once each month, the academy's young women (kaikamahine) join us to mālama ʻāina, generously contributing their time, energy, and aloha to the restoration of our beloved wahi pana. Their kōkua has been an invaluable source of support, and we are deeply grateful for their willingness to serve. Each first Sunday of the month, Aunty Lynette Cruz warmly welcomes the girls as they become part of our Kaʻala ʻohana for the day.

On July 31, 1893, readers of the Hawaiian-language newspaper Hawaii Holomua encountered a simple but profound reminder of who they were and what they still believed. Although the Hawaiian Kingdom had been illegally overthrown just months earlier, the newspaper remained steadfast in its loyalty to the Kingdom and its people. Rather than accepting the new political reality, it continued to speak from the perspective of a nation whose sovereignty and dignity endured.

Every Friday throughout the Pua Kaiāulu 2026 internship, our haumāna gathered to slow down, work with their hands, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of hana noʻeau. Known as Fiber Fridays, these weekly sessions became a special time to learn from respected cultural practitioners, connect with one another, and deepen their understanding of the ʻike and values passed down by our kūpuna.